China's first domestically built polar scientific research icebreaker, the Xue Long 2, has arrived in Hong Kong

2024-04-15 09:00

On the morning of April 8th, the Xuelong 2 polar research vessel and the 40th Chinese Antarctic expedition arrived in Hong Kong, embarking on a five-day program of open days and other exchange activities, receiving a warm welcome from Hong Kong residents.

In his welcoming address, John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, pointed out that the return of the Xuelong 2 polar research vessel and its selection of Hong Kong as its first port of call fully demonstrate the central government's importance and care for Hong Kong. The Xuelong 2's visit to Hong Kong will enhance Hong Kong citizens' pride in the nation's scientific and technological achievements and encourage Hong Kong's youth to bravely engage in scientific research.

The Xuelong 2, designed by the Seventh 08 Institute under China Shipbuilding Group and built by Jiangnan Shipyard, is China's first domestically built polar scientific research icebreaker. Since its delivery in 2019, President Xi Jinping has mentioned the Xuelong 2's maiden voyage to Antarctica in his 2020 New Year's address and at the 2021 meeting of the two academies of sciences. CCTV programs such as "Great National Instruments," "Let's Talk," and "Economics Lecture Hall" have comprehensively showcased the Xuelong 2's power and beauty to the public. With its advanced technology and international influence, the Xuelong 2 has become a new flagship for China's polar expeditions.

The Xuelong 2 is China's first PC3-class polar scientific research icebreaker, possessing advanced comprehensive survey capabilities in polar ice regions. The entire ship's system integrates and optimally carries more than 120 sets of polar sea, air, and ice survey equipment in 48 categories, covering three survey functions: marine environment, biological resources, and seabed science.

The Xuelong 2 has a bow and stern dual-directional icebreaking capability, capable of continuously breaking ice 1.5 meters thick plus 0.2 meters of snow at a speed of two to three knots; it is the world's first polar icebreaker to receive the "Smart Hull" and "Smart Engine Room" notations, capable of carrying two helicopters simultaneously; its primary mission is comprehensive polar oceanographic surveys, while also supporting the transportation of supplies and personnel to the Antarctic and Arctic stations.

The Xuelong 2 possesses both icebreaking capabilities and carries out scientific research missions.

During the design process, the project team focused on overcoming key technologies in hull form, structure, propulsion, power, cold protection, and scientific research; during construction, key technologies such as digital construction and special construction methods for icebreakers were addressed.

Since its delivery, the Xuelong 2 has been put to the test and has met its expected targets in terms of icebreaking capability, maneuverability in ice, cruising range, intelligence level, and environmental tolerance, such as watertight moon pools. The Xuelong 2 project team has been granted 10 invention patents, 33 utility model patents, and has published a total of 38 papers.

In fact, 20 years ago, in October 2004, during the launch of China's 21st Antarctic expedition, the Xuelong polar research vessel held an open day and other activities in Hong Kong, receiving a warm welcome from Hong Kong citizens. Twenty years later, the 40th Chinese Antarctic expedition, aboard the Xuelong 2, once again docked in Hong Kong, showcasing the progress in China's design and construction capabilities of scientific research vessels.

Polar regions are one of the four major new frontiers we will explore in the future. The delivery of the Xuelong 2 has fundamentally broken through the bottlenecks that have long constrained China's comprehensive polar expedition capabilities, breaking the monopoly of a few countries on polar oceanographic surveys, and enabling us to make contributions befitting a major power to the understanding, protection, and utilization of the polar regions.

Winning 12 'star' ships in a row! SUMEDA's shipbuilding and shipping dual-drive

Two types, 8 vessels, 3.2 billion yuan! South China's largest shipyard welcomes a wave of overseas orders

COOKIES

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize the advertising shown to you and to help you get the best experience on our website. For more information, see our Privacy & Cookie Policy

COOKIES

required

These cookies are necessary for basic functions such as payment. Standard cookies cannot be turned off and do not store any of your information.

analyze

These cookies collect information, such as how many people are using our site or which pages are popular, to help us improve the customer experience. Turning these cookies off will mean we can't collect information to improve your experience.

Feature

These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

advertise

These cookies help us understand what you are interested in so that we can show you relevant advertising on other websites. Turning these cookies off will mean we are unable to show you any personalized advertising.

WeChat Official Account

Video account

Douyin account

Business License